The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has visited the Akanu and Aflao border posts, following the interception of articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme.
On 18 February 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), through its customs division, intercepted eighteen articulated trucks declared as goods in transit to Niger. Intelligence and field surveillance established that the trucks were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required for such consignments.
The trucks were released from the Akanu Border Post for transit through the Eastern Corridor, exiting at Kulungugu en route to Niger under Bill of Entry (BOE) Number 80226125039. The declared cargo comprised 44,055 packages weighing 879,860 kilograms.
Twelve of the eighteen trucks have been impounded. Eleven are currently secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection, investigation, and further legal processing. One truck overturned while attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo. The remaining six trucks are being actively pursued.
Initial suspended duties and taxes were assessed at GHS 2,619,748.81. However, post-interception examinations uncovered material discrepancies in declared unit values, tariff classifications, and weights. These irregularities significantly understated the tax liability and have revised the suspended revenue exposure to GHS 85,306,578.33.
Preliminary findings point to systemic control weaknesses and human complicity.
The Minister for Finance has directed the GRA to conduct comprehensive investigations into the matter. Disciplinary action will be initiated against any Customs officers found culpable.
Criminal investigations will also extend to importers and clearing agents where evidence supports prosecution.
The impounded goods will be auctioned in accordance with applicable laws.
In response to this incident and the abuse of transit operations, the Minister has directed the Ghana Revenue Authority to implement the following immediate measures:
- All land transit of cooking oil is hereby prohibited. Such consignments must be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports.
- All transactions originating from land collection points will be subjected to enhanced monitoring, tracking, and strict compliance enforcement to safeguard state revenue.
- Prompt implementation of disciplinary measures and legal prosecution of Customs officers found culpable in similar circumstances.
Government remains resolute in safeguarding local industry and jobs, while ensuring that Ghana’s customs regime is not exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development.
